Parkinson’s and gut dysbiosis

Current Research

Georgina and Kerith, Help Yourself dietitians, discuss the relationship between gut dysbiosis and Parkinson’s disease. 

An exciting and important recent study by their research team showed that the microbiome or the gut bacterial profile of people with Parkinson’s disease and individuals with constipation- dominant IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) are similar to each other, and both of them are different from healthy controls.

The group is investigating this association between constipation and Parkinson’s disease. Constipation may be a very early, importantly alterable precursor in Parkinson’s disease, certainly not for all people and not on its own, but maybe in combination with other symptoms and indicators.

Kerith says,

“We’re very excited to be working on this and then potentially looking at ways that we can, prevent that progression and also alter the disease course for people who are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease to ensure that their quality of life is as good as possible. 

We know it’s not the only indicator or solution here, but might be a really, modifiable way to manage Parkinson’s disease, where, you know, not many other solutions have been available. If diet can be one, it would be wonderful progression in this area. “

Georgina also states,

“It’s just really exciting research project to be involved in… and exciting to think that there might be a diet therapy opportunity for people with Parkinson’s and an opportunity to detect it earlier in the future. 

So I look forward to hearing what happens with this research moving forward.”

References:

Hoedt, E.C., Burns, G.L., Hedley, K.E., Waller, S., Sanchez, T.C., Chisolm, O., MacCallum, H., Richardson, S., Suthers, B., Pepper, E. and Keely, S., 2026. Shared Functional Microbiome Signatures in Parkinson’s Disease and Constipation Predominate Irritable Bowel Syndrome Despite Taxonomic Divergence. Brain, Behavior, & Immunity-Health, p.101218. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0016-5107(26)04235-5